Thursday

It's only taken about a year since I promised it, but I've finally gotten around to updating my flounced capri pattern that I posted almost 2 years ago. (The original legging pattern was only in 2 sizes and had inner and outer side seams.) This new version of the pattern comes in sizes 3 to 8, has only the inner side seam, cut marks for shorts and full length leggings plus the flounce for the capri length. (If you need a different size or want to add a flounce to the shorts or full length version be sure to check out the original tutorial since it details how to make a legging pattern and flounce pattern for any size.)

I started working on the pattern update a few weeks back as something to do when my sewing machine broke. Then... I discovered HBO had all 6 seasons of True Blood available for me to watch on my computer and I've not been able to get very much done since. That show is waaay, waaay too distracting. I've been sewing because I can watch the show from my sewing and cutting table, but was impossible to concentrate enough to write or anything else that actually else that takes mental focus!

I finally finished the last episode and got back to work!

The fabric I used for these leggings actually came from a maxi dress I found on the clearance rack at Ross for $5. I thought I would upcycle it into a maxi dress for my missy, but decided it would be cuter as a pair of summer capris.

I just love that flounce ruffle! (and the pink) Sadly, my missy has recently informed me that her new favorite color is blue and purple, so I guess be prepared for more blue and purple and less pink... sniff, sniff

I have to twist my hubby's arm every year to not mow down this section of our property. It looks pretty weedy until about mid may, but once the wildflowers bloom it's amazing!

-Download and save the pattern to your computer, open with adobe reader, turn off all scaling and print. (Do not print directly from Google Docs.)

-Increase the stitch length by a setting or two when using a straight stitch.

-Use a Ball point needle and a skinny zig zag or other stretch stitch on seams that need to stretch.
-The flounce is only sized to fit the capri length. If you want to add a flounce to the other sizes, it not very hard to make your own flounce pattern. Just refer to the original tutorial I mentioned above.
Make sure your fabric has at least a 50% stretch. Otherwise your child might not be able to pull them on. (ask me how I know that...)
I added a 1/2 inch hem allowance for the full length legging and shorts. I suggest trying the shorts/leggings on before hemming. (you can leave your knits un-hemmed if you wish, you may need to trim the length... )

Step 1. Assembling pattern and cutting out pattern pieces.

Trim the pattern pieces around the gray boxes, line up the A, B, C and D dots. Tape pattern together and cut out the size needed. (I cut out the longest length needed and folded the pattern up to the capri length.)

*The legging length is based on standard generic child measurements. If your child is shorter or taller than average, I recommend comparing the pattern length to a pair of leggings/capri's/shorts that you know is a good length.

If you are adding the flounce to the capri's, cut out 4 flounce pieces w/ the flounce pattern. If you are not adding the flounce to the capri, trim 2 inches off the length for sizes 6, 7 and 8 and 1.5 from the 3, 4 or 5.

Fold fabric in half, with the stretch running side to side and cut out two pattern pieces.

Step two: Sewing the leggings.

Line up the two fabric pieces, right sides together and sew (or serge) the front and back together as shown below, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Flip the leggings around so the front and back seams and leg seams line up. Sew along the leg seams using a 3/8 seam allowance. (shown below and yes, 3/8 is correct)

Line up two of the flounce pieces, right sides together and sew together using a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Repeat for the 2nd flounce.

Right sides together, line up the inner flounce edge with the bottom of the leggings and attach with a 3/8 inch seam allowance. Repeat on the other leg. You may want to use a stretch stitch here if you have one on your machine. (I used the one that looks like a lightning bolt.)

Cut a piece of 1 inch elastic to your child's waist measurement plus one inch. Overlap the edges of the elastic (1/2 inch each side) and sew together with a tight zig zag. Trim excess elastic. If you don't have a child to measure, you can use these standard measurements: 3: 20.5 4: 21 5: 21.5 6: 22 7: 22.5 8: 23

Divide the elastic circle and legging waistband into quarters and mark with pin or fabric marker. Line up the marks and pin together, lining the elastic about 3/8 inch below the edge of the fabric. (sorry to switch fabric on you... I didn't like the original photos and she wore her capris to school today.)

Attach the elastic to the legging, using a long, wide zig zag stitch. Sew from pin to pin, stretching the elastic to the width of the legging as you go.

Fold the elastic over and pin in place. Using a zig zag or stretch stitch sew right along the edge of the elastic. (but not on the elastic.)

Trim any excess fabric and don't forget to add a tag!

You are done! Do you like this pattern? Please pin it:

Don't miss any more posts! You can follow along on Feedly, Bloglovin', via blogger using the Google Friend Connect widget, your favorite feed reader, or by signing up via email. Just click on one of the icons below:

Oh, we must be kindred spirits! I made my (first ever) pair of leggings for my daughter out of the same knit owl pattern you have there! I can't wait to make these - thank you so much for posting at A Pretty Life's link party today. PS - pinned for a project.

Hi Jamie, I was trying to download the file but it says it can't be downloaded because too many people have already downloaded and that i may have to wait 24 hours to download. Can anything be done about this or am I just going to have to wait it out?

This is some sort of bug on Google's end. Are you logged in with google? (I just created a new gmail account and logged in, and it was working.) Also here is a work around posted by someone yesterday:

"I found a weird workaround. At first I was just trying to download the pattern to my desktop, which is what gave me the error. Then I hit print, which opened up an Adobe Reader dialogue box. Then I hit cancel print, which left the PDF open in Reader. From there I was able to save it to my desktop from this weird shadow menu that appeared at the bottom of the document if I sort of hovered my mouse over it. Bizarre, but I made it work. Thanks! I can't wait to get started."

Let me know if this works for you and hopefully this will be fixed soon, because all of my patterns are stored on google drive.Good luck,Jamie

Thanks so much for this leggings pattern which I am using to make my son's Halloween costume this year. I am a little confused though -- I think there is a typo in the pattern. The "front" is really the "back". When printed and taped together, the rise is higher and the seat is fuller which to me signals it is in fact the "back". I noticed that in your photo of the pattern, the "front" and "back" are not identified. Please confirm. Thanks again, Neeta

I love reading your comments and try to respond to all questions. Many readers do not have their email addresses associated with their accounts, so be sure to click on the "notify me" box so you can be notified of any replies to your questions!

I happy for you to share one or two photos and no more than 3 lines of text, under the condition that proper credit is given to scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com, including a clear link back to this website and provided you have not removed the watermark from my photos. For more information, visit the Terms and conditions link above.